In the 1970s, Lô studied at the School of Art in Dakar later joining the popular Super Diamono. He left the group in 1984 to start a solo career. Over the next four years Lô recorded five popular solo albums.
In 1990 Lô signed a recording deal with Barclay and recorded in France his sixth solo album, Ismaël Lô. Thanks to the success of the single Tajabone the album became a hit in the European charts. The album launched his international career.
Iso was recorded and released in 1994, and also became a success. The album contains soft guitar melodies and traditional senegalese mbalax. The following year Lô toured in Africa. The compilation album Jammu Africa was released in 1996.
In 1999, Tajabone was featured in Pedro Almodóvar's All About My Mother.
Aiwa
Ismaël Lô Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dikowel kapa kudi sokhna so bil kel
Mane waibi mai wai kip anaka soma bil khol
Dikowel kapa kudi sokhna so bil kel
Kon sokhna buru keureum de (sokhna buru keureum de)
Aiwa
Mane waibi mai wai kip anaka soma bil khol
Mane waibi mai wai kip anaka soma bil khol
Dikowel kapa kudi sokhna so bil kel
Kon sokhna buru keureum de (sokhna buru keureum de)
Aiwa
Kon awa buru keureum
(Aiwa Aiwa)
Nale khale ku diekeureum
(Aiwa Aiwa)
Kon awa buru keureum
(Aiwa Aiwa)
Nale khale ku diekeureum
(Aiwa Aiwa)
Awa duku nanga
Mane waibi mai wai bin anaka soma bir nek
Dikowel kapa kudi sokhna so bil kel
Mane waibi mai wai bin anaka soma bir nek
Dikowel kapa kudi sokhna so bil kel
Kon sokhna buru keureum de
Aiwa
Kon awa buru keureum
(Aiwa Aiwa)
Nale khale ku diekeureum
(Aiwa Aiwa)
Kon awa buru keureum
(Aiwa Aiwa)
Nale khale ku diekeureum
(Aiwa Aiwa)
Awa duku nanga
The lyrics to Ismaël Lô's song "Aiwa" are in Wolof, a language spoken in Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania. The song has a catchy and upbeat melody, but the lyrics touch on important social and political issues. It starts with "Mane waibi mai wai kip anaka soma bil khol, Dikowel kapa kudi sokhna so bil kel", which roughly translates to "I have come to see and hear what is happening, to learn and understand what is going on." The repetition of the line emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's surroundings and staying informed.
The chorus, "Kon sokhna buru keureum de (sokhna buru keureum de), Aiwa," means "If it’s hard to tell the truth, say it anyway, yes." The song's title, "Aiwa," is also a Wolof word meaning "yes" and is repeated throughout the song. The lyrics put an emphasis on the importance of honesty, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
The second verse's first line, "Mane waibi mai wai bin anaka soma bir nek" means "I have come to see and hear better than before." This emphasizes the importance of growth and constant learning, as well as the idea that one should strive to be better and do better than in the past. The song ends with "Awa duku nanga," which means "Our destiny is the same." This line emphasizes the unity of humanity and the need to work together to create a better world.
Line by Line Meaning
Mane waibi mai wai kip anaka soma bil khol
I am a traveler who is tired from walking in the desert heat and want to rest and drink water.
Dikowel kapa kudi sokhna so bil kel
I am searching for a place where I can find some shade under a tree and rest for a bit.
Kon sokhna buru keureum de (sokhna buru keureum de)
Where is the cool breeze that I yearn for? (repeat)
Aiwa
Yes, I agree with myself and my desires.
Kon awa buru keureum (Aiwa Aiwa)
Where is the refreshing breeze? (Yes, I agree)
Nale khale ku diekeureum (Aiwa Aiwa)
I hope to find it soon. (Yes, I agree)
Awa duku nanga
This is my homeland and I want to feel at peace and comfort.
Mane waibi mai wai bin anaka soma bir nek
I am still searching for that place where I can quench my thirst with the fresh water.
Writer(s): Johan Tobias Bejerholm, Ismael Lo Copyright: Universal Music Publishing Mgb Scandinav, Universal Music Publishing, Buffalo Songs
Contributed by Grayson O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@valeriendaw5195
Le continent a visité absolument c'est l'Afrique , un peuple hors du commun, le berceau de la joie de vivre, l'hospitalité, la musique la danse, la famille le partage, la débrouillardise tout ça dans la joie et la bonne humeur, l'exemple pour toute l'humanité. Vive l'Afrique
@adjelee8955
Merciiii. Je ne l'aurais pas mieux dis...
@Wemmick65
Wow, what an enchanting song.! Ismael Lo is certainly in a class of his own here.
After i heard this song, i told myself, i am proud to be born an African.
@albeeh6316
I got introduced to Ismael Lo in 2002 by my Zimbabwean friend and got hooked since then...when you embrace a piece of music that speaks to your heart, it becomes timeless...
@gj536
I think God gave us the capacity to create and love music to help us learn that we are truly all one and connected. What a beautiful song! Greetings from Latin America ❤
@abdoulazizdabo5929
un pur régal! qui en 2019 ecoute encore cette belle galette musicale?
@michelelehn9798
Moi , avec toujours autant de plaisir.
@maimounadiagne4677
2020
@timurarslan2920
Toujours en 2021 👊👊👊☝️
@NABIL-un1ip
Im moroccan and very very proud to be african <3